Portsmouth Town Council convened on December 9, 2024, to address pressing community concerns regarding noise variances related to ongoing construction projects. A significant focus of the meeting was the proposed noise limits for upcoming work, particularly concerning a project by Dominion Energy.

Council members and residents expressed frustration over the lack of clear noise regulations. One resident, Mr. Grieve, highlighted the ambiguity in the current ordinance, suggesting that without a defined decibel limit, noise variances could lead to excessive disturbances. He proposed a cap of 75 decibels, arguing that this would protect residents from unreasonable noise levels.

Another resident, Chris Carcella, echoed these concerns, emphasizing the need for specific limits in the variance to prevent potential disruptions. He referenced similar projects in Virginia Beach, where noise levels were capped at 65 decibels, and urged the council to adopt comparable standards. Carcella also raised concerns about the enforcement of noise complaints, questioning the effectiveness of current measures if residents were left without recourse.

The discussion revealed a broader issue regarding the council's authority in the permitting process. Several members noted that while they could provide advisory opinions on noise variances, the ultimate decision rested with the Energy Facility Siting Board, which could override local regulations. This led to a sense of helplessness among council members and residents, who felt their voices were not adequately represented in the decision-making process.

In response to these concerns, the council agreed to draft an advisory opinion recommending a noise limit of 65 decibels and restricting construction activities to no more than two consecutive nights. However, the council reiterated that these recommendations would not guarantee enforcement, as the final authority lies with the state.

As the meeting concluded, residents were reminded of the importance of voicing their concerns to local officials and the police regarding noise disturbances. The council's commitment to addressing these issues reflects a growing awareness of the impact of construction noise on community well-being, setting the stage for ongoing discussions about local governance and resident rights in Portsmouth.